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Took part in the Yamaha Call of the Blue event with my R15: Experience

10th September 2024, 16:09 by Ananth Iyer

The best vehicle for this Gymkhana event, as per my observation, was RX100/RX135 provided its light weight, sleek body and maneuverability.

BHPian sasta_rider recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Breakfast Ride and Call of the Blue @ Mysuru:

Date: 01-Sep-2024 (Sunday)
Odo Start: 21235 km
Odo End: 21577 km
Trip Start Time: 04:45 am (from my residence at Whitefield)
Trip End Time: 06:45 pm (at my residence)
Ride Start Location: Vinayak Yamaha, Koramangala
Meetup with Other Yamaha Dealers: Bangalore Wheels, Kengeri
Breakfast Point: Maddur Tiffany's, Maddur
Destination: GRS Fantasy Park for Call of the Blue Event
Mileage Returned: 342 km trip, 40.38 kmpl (full tank to full tank)

The above data was for quick readers. Let me take you through the experience, what could have been better and the overall ride!

The Ride:

I am in the WhatsApp group of Vinayak Yamaha, who mainly use that group to announce monthly rides to in and around Bengaluru. Most of the rides so far have been 1 day ride without stay. Three days before the event, I get a call from one of the Service Supervisor, who requested me whether I can join the ride to Mysuru for the Call of the Blue (read COTB in short) event. Due to my work reasons, I had 50-50 chances of joining. But, from the past two months, my R15 hardly did 1500 km after the last service in June: rain being one of the reason and I had been twice to home for 2 weeks by my car, leaving R15 here at my residence. Without much thinking, I agreed to join. I had to register for the event from Yamaha India website, which was free of cost. Usually, COTB events that are held on tracks, other venues are charged. But this was not. Later that day I got to know that this was organised by Yamaha Mysuru dealers. Nevermind, let anyone organise: I always wanted to experience this event at least once. After registration was completed, I prepared R15 as well as myself for the ride. Please note that this was my first long ride after almost two months of hardly clocking kilometers in Bengaluru roads. The previous day, I checked the N2 pressure on the tires, checked for brake lines and critical parts which are in my sight. The meetup at Koramangala was planned to be at 05:45 am and flag off by 06:00 am. But there are always some riders who appear late, but that's fine.

I left my residence, stopped near the BP fuel bunk, fueled up the tank fully & then left towards Koramangala. Took me 35 minutes via the Outer Ring Road, which is just pathetic in condition! Reached the flag off point only to realise I was the first one to be there, followed by the Yamaha Koramangala team & then lately other riders in MT15 and R15 joined us. Without any delay, we left at around 07:00 am towards Kengeri, where we will join others who joined the ride via dealers like Motoworld and Bangalore Wheels. The crowd was just psych when we reached there: all types of bikes/scooters lined up. There were old well maintained RX 100/135, Crux, R15 (v1/v2/v3/v4), FZ, MT15 and two R3 (old and the recently launched). What a sight! After a quick tea and snacks, a briefing round, we officially started the ride from here. Route chosen was obvious: old route towards Mysuru via Maddur.

The briefing before flag off included instructions like following lane discipline, speed limit, not overtaking the lead and respecting fellow riders. But, everyone were so enthusiastic and had to cover 150 odd km because the event at Mysuru was planned between 10 am to 2 pm. We were already late, so these instructions were hardly followed, but all the riders were within their limits throughout. Gracefully, no mishaps or unforeseen event took place during the onward journey. Breakfast point was Maddur Tiffany's, which was offered by the Yamaha dealers. The only expense we all riders had was to take care of the fuel. After some conversation with the Vinayak Yamaha personnel, I got to know that Yamaha India is planning to conduct one night rides to nearby places in the coming months. Depending on the success, they will decide to continue it further. Cannot wait to be a part of that as well!

After breakfast, we left towards Mysuru. It was already 10:20 am, and we were late to the venue. But just before the Mysuru Expressway ends, there was a quick stop as we waited for other riders who were coming in their own pace, enjoying the early morning sun. From here, we were strictly advised to follow the two lane discipline, no overtaking and maintaining ride etiquette until GRS Fantasy Park. There was an R15 v3 with a modified exhaust (SC Project), who took the lead followed by few "musician" RX 100/135s. As soon as we entered the theme park, the already present riders of Mysuru were all watching the Bengaluru riders entering the venue with loud sound & adrenalin. We received a grand welcome by the MC (Master of Ceremonies) who quickly asked us to form a organised line up & cheer for the event. This was followed by the modified R15 v3 just revving up other's hearts with its sweet exhaust. Speaking honestly, a modified exhaust on a single cylinder two wheeler is not that pleasing but this was not too good nor not too bad. But again, why not!?

COTB Event, GRS Fantasy Park:

I had high expectations here with respect to the variety of events, but again, was not dissatisfied as well since this was my first time. As we settled down after the welcome from the MC of the event, we parked our bikes in the parking area and took our registration kit which included: Yamaha's Blue Color Bag with Yamaha & "Call of the Blue" tagline, a Yamaha branded wristband and set of stickers (Yamaha, Bleed Blue, Call of the Blue and Monster Energy). I had expected a T-Shirt as well, but my expectation too was high, so was happy with what I received.

During the ride, I had already made few friends with whom I started exploring the arena for what all events did Yamaha offer.

Yamaha Latest Vehicle Display:

The display area included the recently launched, overpriced Yamaha R3 (which in my personal opinion, is not worth for the money when compared with the previous gen R3), R15 v4 (the one which came with R1 like TFT display, LED indicators and new color scheme. But, the one on display was the Metallic Blue color, which is Yamaha's signature identity. Then there was the naked version of the R3, the MT03 which looked psych. But I am more oriented into faired/sports bikes, the naked sibling did not draw much attention from my end. In the MT03, I felt the exposed wires and few components could have been placed a little better which would not make it look like the MT15. In fact, the wiring of MT15 is not as visible as that in MT03. Both are naked and it is foolishness to expect these to be hidden, but come on Yamaha, you could have done it better!

For the tourers, there was the FZ-X, the 150 cc street bike offered by Yamaha. Again, was not a big fan, so moved on. Among the scooters, there was the latest Fascino and the Aerox.

Stalls:

After the display area, there were various stalls where the public could experience and register for various events for the day.

Gaming Zone: MotoGP simulation area where the public can come and experience how it feels like to drive in a track. Since I am already very much into video games, did not feel like trying because we had less time before the event would come to an end.

Apparels: There were wide range of apparels for public to shop, but with a discount on few products which would not be the case if you happen to buy the same from a dealer. There were Yamaha branded T-Shirts (MT, Bleed Blue, Monster Energy themed), riding jackets by Yamaha and consumables like engine oil, chain clean and lube, carbon cleaner etc. Initially, I had enquired about the Yamaha's RS4 GP edition engine oil (10W-40) which can be used for R15, R3 as well as MT15. I have heard from the forum as well as fellow riders who had attended the track event conducted by Yamaha where the bike's engine oil is replaced with this one for better performance on the track. Upon enquiring, the MRP was ₹1600/- with 10% discount. I planned to buy this before the event ends to avoid me carrying the product throughout the event. But sadly, could not get one because the stall was already removed by 02:30 pm when I was busy in the Gymkhana Ride.

Bikers Cafe: The place where one can rest, have quick chat after grabbing some food from the nearby stall (looked like this was given as contract to the Fantasy Park). Since we already had the breakfast, did not grab any food here. The scorching heat made us prefer getting hydrated than satisfy the hunger cravings.

Monster Energy: There was a Monster Energy drink store which was housed in the Isuzu V-Cross with the Monster Energy body decal. Grabbed one drink (which was not charged) and charged myself amidst the heat!

Gymkhana Ride: Registration for the Gymkhana Ride was done here where the registered riders would be briefed batch wise as to how the ride should be made with no or minimal fouls to get qualified as the winner. Winners were also announced batch wise. The only worst part here was that many riders took interest in this and the waiting period was quite lengthy. However, due to the Malayali organisers for this activity, I somehow sneaked in before others could and completed my ride. This activity included a test ride to get familiarised about the challenges and then the actual ride where we will be judged by the following:

How quick we finish the circuit.
Legs must not be grounded during any point of time from start till end.
Helmet Visor to be downed, helmet strap to be completely tightened.
Should not hit any of the "VLC media player" like cones.
Knee, elbow protection and gloves is a must. I was fully geared up with Rynox jacket, pant and gloves. Those who did not have, were given one for the trial ride and final ride (ProBiker branded ones were offered).
The path should be followed as briefed before the ride.

Based on these, the winners were decided by the organisers.

The best vehicle for this Gymkhana event, as per my observation, was RX100/RX135 provided its light weight, sleek body and maneuverability. I do not deny the fact that an experienced rider can tackle this event with any two wheeler you throw at him. But for me, since this was first time, I could not complete in less time than others. But, this was a great experience to learn and make me better for the next such events by Yamaha. Additionally, the final winner of the last round of this event was also a RX100 rider.

Below are few pics of me involved in tackling the turns and challenges of the Gymkhana ride, all thanks to the fellow R15 rider with his sibling who managed to click these moments of mine. I did carry my GoPro during this ride but unfortunately, the settings had been to default (wide angle) and none of the footages came right. I realised this only when I reached back to Bengaluru. Aah, this hurt me more than a breakup, even though I did not have any breakup in the past!

My actual plan was to stay at Mysuru, take her for a spin to Chamundi Hills and the city during the night. Then, the next day by noon, leave back to Bengaluru. But since the COTB event was almost wrapped up by 3 pm, fellow R15 siblings and myself decided to leave to Bengaluru together at our own pace. Enroute, we had a stop for lunch at Empire, which is near to the service road, not able to recall the exact location. From here, I bid them goodbye since they were riding at their own pace and I cannot keep pace with their speed. By 06:45 pm, I reached my residence at Seegehalli (Whitefield) after evading all the traffic in Central Bengaluru.

Overall, this was my first time being a part of COTB event and looking forward to attend more such events organized by Yamaha here in Bengaluru/Mysuru/Coimbatore. Out of 5, if I had to rate the event, I would be giving 4. Reason being, few things like crowd management and the variety of bike events could have been more. I know I am expecting more from Yamaha but when there are enthusiastic riders attending in bulk, Yamaha to can push a little more from their end.

Few things about my R15 alone:

After almost 2 months of not riding, I was not confident enough to take her on a long ride without getting checked by a nearby ASC. In fact, I went to Whitefield Yahama after I returned from home to get her basic checkup done. They denied saying "Sir, there is no parking. Please come tomorrow". I will avoid myself from going here from now on. Vinayaka Yamaha is too far for me to just get my bike checked and they have very less parking spots than Whitefield Yamaha. But, Vinayak Yamaha never denied me when I had enquired if I can drop her in the evening and pick the next day. In the month of July, R15 was kept idle for 21 days and in August for 15 days. Rest of the days when I was here, I could not even take her out on spin due to the unpredicted weather and my work schedule. Whenever I came back from home to see how R15 handles in terms of battery, it surprised me! Till I had the Exide (stock) battery, the bike would not start upon keeping her idle for even a week. But after switching to Amaron last year, the bike started with first self even after 15+ days. I also agree that her Bluetooth module is not working currently, maybe that's why battery was not drained. I might be wrong here as well. Coming to the brake lines: both the front and rear brakes were lose. When a bike is kept idle for long, the brake fluids tend to absorb moisture due to which the brakes become lose. However, upon few kilometers of slow paced riding with regular use of brakes, the pressure should come back to normal. But in my case, though the pressure came back & even the bite is as usual, the front brake feels like a little 'jammed' at times, which I need to get it checked soon, as time permits.

Brake bites with the stock Yamaha pads are no longer giving me confidence, especially after keeping her idle for almost 5 weeks with a gap. I am planning to go back after the Vesrah Ceramic brakes even if it comes with a cost of replacing the disc occasionally. Better safe than sorry. Will update on this later in this thread since there are a lot of kilometers to clock with the recently fit stock brake pads.

Coming to the fuel efficiency part: I got 40.38 kmpl with full tank to full tank method. I am happy with this figure, provided the thrill and enthusiasm she gives me!

Since last few days, I have been cleaning R15 with a wet microfiber cloth whenever it gets dirty due to the after effects of Bengaluru rain. Not only this, when I commute to ITPL (my office), the two wheeler parking is in an open area with no roof. So, if it rains that day, then my OCD gets triggered the moment I see "chickenpox" type dirt marks on the body, especially on the fairings which is clearly visible. So, one day when I was cleaning at my residence, I noticed that the underpart of the silencer has a lot of rust buildup and irregular coloring. So, I am planning to get the entire bike's metal parts: mainly the chassis and silencer repainted from some popular folks here in Bengaluru. I do not want to give it to a local chap who does not even know ABCD about the job and just ruins the bike after his job. Neither I want to check the pricing with ASC because I am sure they will quote quite high and the job will be satisfactory. If anyone knows where two wheeler painting (including the safe dismantling and reassembly) is done at Bengaluru for a good budget, feel free to DM me here. I would be glad to take advise/suggestions as well.

One thing I noticed during the ride towards Mysuru: my R15 was comparatively less powerful. By powerful, I mean to say, she was not pulling as quick as before and I could feel it in the throttle response. What I assume here (correct me if I am wrong) is: the bike was kept idle, engine oil became less effective and hence is performing poor. Maybe I was thinking to replace the engine oil from ASC?! But since the next periodic service (eighth I believe) is nearing, thought to let it go with whatever is inside.

Rest, I need not say anything about this machine. Those who have ridden her, know her. Those who have not ridden, you should definitely try her once! That's it from my side in this post. Enjoy the few pics at the end of the post.

Ride safe!
Sud.